This weekend, I will travel to Papua New Guinea to attend the Prime Minister’s XIII rugby league matches in Port Moresby. I will also meet with Ministerial counterparts. This will be my first visit to Papua New Guina as Assistant Minister for Pacific Island Affairs.
Papua New Guinea is Australia’s closest neighbour, truest of friends and our newest ally.
Our ties are made closer still through our shared love of sport. The Prime Minister’s XIII showcases our countries’ talent, and recognises sport’s important contribution to our cultures, economies and social progress.
Australia and Papua New Guinea are connected by our common history, close geography, people-to-people links and shared commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Pacific.
This year we are proud to celebrate 50 years of Papua New Guinea’s independence.
I look forward to celebrating this and our enduring connections across health, education, trade, and gender equality over the coming days in Port Moresby.